Lots happening on Broadway

The Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce says it has finalized an agreement with Sound Transit to help neighborhood businesses during the six years-plus of light rail construction due to begin later this year.

As part of this, Sound Transit is paying for a marketing firm, Kite Inc., “to help promote and accentuate the neighborhood as a great place to live, work and shop,” according to a press release.

In addition, Sound Transit will be paying for business technical assistance, with the involvement of Seattle University and Seattle Central Community College.

“This agreement reinforces Sound Transit’s commitment to being a good neighbor as we work to bring light rail to Capitol Hill and the University of Washington,” Sound Transit Board Chair and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels said in the release. “This project will carry thousands of riders to and from Capitol Hill every day.”

“Our goal is to ensure that Broadway and all Capitol Hill business districts not only survive but thrive during this construction period,” Jack Hilovsky, executive director of the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce said in the release.

“We hope to draw new visitors and businesses to the Hill through our marketing program, strengthen the capacity of existing merchants to enhance their bottom line while delivering superior service to our customers, and ease construction impacts during this period of great transition.”